My heels were too loud. That was the first thing I realized. Each step echoed off the marble floor as I followed the sound of her laughter down the corridor… half-hidden behind pillars, weaving through guests who didn't know they were extras in a movie I hadn't agreed to star in.
Mabel Harrigan moved like she had nowhere to be but everywhere belonged to her. That red gown caught the light, dragging attention with it. Teddy walked beside her… tall, calm, unreadable, one hand in his pocket, expression carved from control.
I stayed far enough behind to look accidental. Like I'd simply lost my way or was admiring the architecture. My heart didn't get the memo though. It was pounding hard enough that I could hear it.
They turned a corner. I followed, catching a flash of his security
